RICS House Surveys: Compare Types & Costs

National Coverage

Panel of RICS Surveyors

Same week availability*

Cost from £375 EXC VAT

Reports in 5 Days**

As featured in:

Types of RICS House Surveys

Choose the survey service you need.

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

Property Valuation

Subsidence Survey

Asbestos Survey

Damp Survey

Call or email for a quote on 0333 344 3234 / help@samconveyancing.co.uk, or Ask a Free Online Question.

What do they look for in a house survey?

In a house buying survey, they look for visual signs of defects and indicators of the general condition of the property. For example:

What does a house survey include?

This depends entirely on which house buyer survey you choose. We have hand-selected some of the best surveyors in the field to provide a service we are proud to put our name to. Our specialists handle a wide range of inspections, including:

What is included in a Level 2 Home Survey? A Level 2 House survey is a visual, non-intrusive inspection of the inside and outside of the building and any permanent outbuildings. The surveyor won't lift fitted carpets or boards, but will flag in their report if there is visible evidence of a hidden defect. It will provide a detailed report on the property's overall condition. It is not an exhaustive inspection, and no tests are undertaken. It includes a valuation as well as a reinstatement value for insurance purposes, which Level 3 does not. Level 2 RICS Survey

What is included in a Level 3 Home Survey? A Level 3 House survey is a more thorough and detailed inspection of the inside and outside of the building and any permanent outbuildings. The surveyor will spend much longer inspecting the property, with greater attention to the roof, grounds, floors, and services. They will aim to establish how the property is built, the materials used and how they are likely to perform in the future, as well as outlining repair options and timelines, as well as risks of not acting. Level 3 RICS Survey

What is included in a Snagging Survey? Your surveyor will examine all aspects of the build and fabric of the property to check that it matches the plans and specifications which the developer set down for it and is generally finished to a high standard. It will identify any visible defects such as cracked tiles, leaking plumbing and sloppy painting. Snagging Survey

What is included in a current market valuation? A property valuation report will include a detailed analysis of factors which influence the market value of your house. For example, location, property condition and local market. Your surveyor will take notes and photographs, then compile them into a valuation report for you. Providing an accurate and unbiased valuation for sale, buy-out, transfer or staircasing. This valuation does not include a reinstatement value for insurance purposes. Valuation Survey

Specialist house surveys

As well as the main RICS home surveys, you may require a specialist survey to investigate a specific defect. If these defects are discovered during your initial inspection, your surveyor will recommend a specialist for a more detailed prognosis.

What is included in an asbestos survey? An asbestos survey is an intrusive inspection where a specialist surveyor, wearing protective clothing, removes samples of the suspected asbestos to take away for further analysis. In the report, the surveyor states the type or types of asbestos found, how it can safely be removed and, depending on the survey provider, gives an estimate of how much removal will cost. Asbestos Survey

What is included in a damp & timber survey? Special equipment will be used to make an assessment (i.e. moisture meters), and your surveyor will put together a detailed report, explaining the process and their findings. It will include information about rising damp, penetrating damp, timber in contact with damp walls, timber decay and woodworm infestation, sub-floor ventilation, solid floors, condensation & sources of moisture Damp & Timber Survey

What is included in a Drain Survey? Drainage specialists install high-resolution CCTV into the drains to a problem location or locations or areas of concern using thin flexible pipes. Once installed, the operatives can leave the property and work remotely on data sent through from cameras. Once sufficient monitoring has taken place, the specialists can create a report about the issue/s, which will give options and accompanying costs for remedy with recommendations. Drain Survey

Structural house surveys

If subsidence, or potential subsidence, has been identified, or if you want to make structural changes to the building, you will require a structural house survey from a qualified structural engineer:

What is included in a subsidence survey? Subsidence is usually first flagged in a Level 2 or Level 3 survey. If subsidence is suspected, you must instruct a structural engineer to inspect the property to determine whether the building is subsiding (very slowly falling down). This is different from a subsidence report. The subsidence survey will determine the extent of movement and associated damage, initial advice on the cause, remedial recommendations and whether temporary support is required, as well as whether an insurance claim may be appropriate. Subsidence Survey

What is included in a chimney breast removal survey? The structural engineer will aim to determine the strength and durability of the building and the potential impact of your project. They will determine what is needed, make any necessary structural calculations for your design and suggest the appropriate materials to use. You will need these structural calculations to submit to building control in order to get approval before you begin the project. Chimney Breast Survey

What is included in a load-bearing wall survey? The report will detail the strength and durability of the structure and the impact of removing the load-bearing wall. They will determine what additional support is needed to remove the wall while maintaining the building's structural integrity. They will provide structural calculations for your design and recommend appropriate materials. You will need these structural calculations to submit to building control in order to get approval before you begin the project. Load Bearing Walls

Is it worth getting a house survey?

Getting a property survey should be an essential part of the conveyancing process. It reveals hidden, serious damages to the house you are interested in buying, potentially saving you thousands of pounds in unforeseen repair costs.

How much does a house survey cost?

The cost of a house survey depends on the type of report you need, the value of the property, and its location. Because a Level 3 Building Survey requires a much deeper structural investigation than a Level 2 Home Survey, the fees are naturally higher.

When you book with SAM Conveyancing, we offer transparent, fixed-fee quotes so you know exactly what you are paying from day one. Prices typically start from £375 EXC VAT for a standard valuation or Level 2 report on a lower-value property.

What does a house survey cost with SAM Conveyancing?

Your price is based on your specific property. The size and location of the building will dictate the final fee; generally, larger properties require more time to inspect and therefore cost slightly more. Here are our starting prices:

• RICS Level 2 Home Survey: £375 EXC VAT (we include as standard the valuation and reinstatement cost)
• RICS Level 3 Building Survey: £400 EXC VAT
• Property Valuation: £300 EXC VAT
• Damp Survey: £325 EXC VAT
• Asbestos Survey: £375 EXC VAT

Call or email us today to get a bespoke, competitively priced quote for your specific property.

How to book your house survey

You are legally responsible for arranging your own homebuyer survey, but when you choose SAM Conveyancing, we handle the entire administrative process for you. We have negotiated "better than direct" fees with our national panel of RICS surveyors to save you time and money.